Why We Built This

To be honest, this program was developed in response to the global pandemic. Other data collection platforms will tell you that “We’ve had this in the works for a long time,” or “This is where the industry is heading,” and while both might be true, that is not why I started this program. I started this venture because I realized that data used to perform appraisals during the pandemic was suspect. And I wanted a source of data that was relevant and accurate for my company, specifically, and then realized that this could be used nationally.

When COVID-19 put everyone on alert, it was difficult to get the data we needed to perform credible and accurate appraisal reports because we were not allowed in the houses. More and more lenders started to lean on the desktop and exterior appraisals, however, much of the data that appraisers could gather was years old and did not provide the data needed to determine a credible and accurate market value. I started declining appraisals in which I did not feel comfortable with the data and the lenders began asking me to reach out to the homeowners to provide accurate information.

To quote Gru in Despicable Me, “Light Bulb.” (You read that in his voice, didn’t you?)

I began working with a local developer in Greenville, SC (Arbe Digital) and with my team of appraisers and trainees, we created OMMA. OMMA provides accurate and timely data, securely delivered, in a user friendly format that becomes cheaper and less timely for the end user. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved.

I take pride in knowing that appraisers help homeowners and lenders make better financial decisions by providing a credible and accurate market value. And I take even more pride in knowing that our program will be the catalyst for a positive change in our industry.

-Paul Ryll
Owner
Certified Residential Appraiser